He was one of the best value deals in modern free agency, but the Pittsburgh Penguins let Anthony Mantha go after one season with the team. No one knew exactly how his next contract would shake out, and after a rather surprisingly lackluster market in free agency, Mantha signed a modest two-year contract with the New Jersey Devils for $9.55 million.
That looked to be a terrific bargain.
Well, the Devils are now ten games into the Anthony Mantha contract this season, and things aren't going as planned. Any sort of similar point production compared to last year would've made his current contract another bargain, but that hasn't happened. As of now, Mantha is struggling to find his footing in New Jersey, and the once thought of bargain in Pittsburgh is again facing troubles.
Many thought Mantha would receive a lucrative deal in free agency this past offseason, but many were shocked when his contract details became public. The Penguins certainly could've re-signed him if they wanted to. Their decision to go in another direction has seen their club have slips along the way, and Mantha not having the same success. It could be a poor outcome for both parties.
Pittsburgh Penguins made right choice after Anthony Mantha begins to show season of regression
It was a season to remember for Anthony Mantha during his lone campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The often-injured veteran was given a one-year prove it deal, and boy did he ever prove his worth. Last year saw the winger reach new heights and produce his best numbers yet. Mantha totaled 33 goals and 31 assists, collectively producing 64 points in 81 games.
Normally, that would get many players a giant cash grab come free agency, but Mantha saw his market struggle well below expectations.
He practically got a mediocre pay raise compared to those who are producing similar numbers. Perhaps it was his prior injury history, or the uncommon point production he produced with the Penguins last season. Either way, Pittsburgh and many other organizations around the NHL were worried about signing him long-term.
During his start to this season, Mantha is reverting back to poor form. He's only produced two goals, and one assist this season, good enough for a forgetful three points in his first ten games in New Jersey. Although the Devils have him on a short-term deal on the cheap, that's much lower production then they had anticipated when they signed the veteran.
It's been a disappointing start.
The Penguins decided to let Mantha go in an attempt to get younger and not try to strap themselves to an inflated cap risk on a long-term deal. Pittsburgh has struggled during their first ten games of the year, much like Mantha. Perhaps both parties would've benefited from working together beyond last season. Either way, this hasn't been the start to the campaign like either side had hoped for.
Add us as a preferred source on Google